It's that time of the year. The Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission have completed their work on the 1999 Hunting Regulations and the Montana Legislature is in session. Several things need to be discussed and we all need to get involved and take some action.

     The FWP Commission on Friday, Feb. 5, 1999 approved a Statewide Fall Hunting Season [without the use of hounds] for Mountain Lion. This season will run from Oct. 24, 1999 - Nov. 28, 1999 (Up to 20% of the quota established for the Dec. 1 - April 14, 2000 season may be taken during the fall season). Mr. Simpson and Mr. Mulligan did voice opposition for this season. Their concerns were that MT has a lion management plan and EIS in place and also some concern about the general rifle hunter checking the quota hotline.

     The Region 1 problems took a lot of time for discussion. They talked about issuing permits equal to two times the quota in some hunting districts; validation; the legislative restriction of nonresident hound handler permits, etc. After lengthy discussions, Charlie Decker made a motion to issue twice the quota in HD100, 103, 104 & 130 as permits. The quota would still control the closing of harvest in these HD. When the quota was filled, the permit holder would be allowed to go and hunt lion in any other NON PERMITED hunting district. This motion failed because the overriding feeling was that it would not cure the Reg. 1 problems. The last motion made by Commissioner Decker was: Leave lion season same as last year, but reduce the mandatory report time of the lion kill from 24 hours to 12 hours. This motion passed with a stipulation that the Dept. forms a working group immediately to work on a long-term solution. The Commission wants proposals ready before October 1999.

     The Commission also passed a motion to issue 4 permits in HD 100 and 5 permits in HD 101 that will be valid ONLY on the sheep winter range. The Missoula Special Management Area proposal was passed as presented. HD 422 & 444 boundary changes were approved.

     Commissioner Decker spoke directly to the Houndsmen representatives present and told them that "Doomsday is Near - you need to make ALL the houndsmen aware that things are going to have to change! The lion hunters can't behave themselves as it is now, and we may have to cut the number down to be more manageable." They spoke of all the things that have occurred with lion hunting: The over-harvest of lion, especially in the Libby, Swan and Sanders County areas. The change in attitude of the 'newer' lion hunter regarding the closing of hunting districts - where hunters calling the FWP offices and asking if a HD is still open, finding out that the quota is filled and it closes at the end of today and going out and intentionally taking ONE more lion today. The fact that this is a growing new sport. The problems with large groups of nonresidents who come with their own hounds and all take a lion home. The "money motivator" for illegal outfitting of lion hunts. Resident lion hunters who want to restrict their favorite spot to their personal use - to kill all the lion in the quota over their own dogs. How the commission needs to work with the legitimate outfitters so that their business and permits are not made unusable. They are concerned about the desire to have a higher quality hunt at a more leisurely pace for a longer period of time. There were comments that it is impossible to get houndsmen to agree on any issue. If they were to institute one of the suggested ideas, it might just produce a domino effect for crowding.

     Each and every one of Montana's houndsmen MUST take a hard look at their own habits, desires, method of operation as well as complaints and be willing to admit that WE MUST do what is necessary to guarantee the ability to hunt lion in Montana with hounds. This does not mean that one person must do all the changing, but everyone must do what is best for the majority. Some will have to give up a little more than others do, but if we want a solution to work for everyone, we have to do some soul searching and be willing to come to an agreement that will benefit the majority. If I don't want Joe Hotdog in my favorite drainage, I may have to bite my tongue and realize that I do not own the place. If Joe Hotdog wants to bring 10 out-of-state friends in and take all the lion in the area, he may have to back off and admit that he doesn't really need 11 lions over his dogs this year.

Those who want all the nonresident houndsmen restricted may have to admit that isn't a realistic alternative. Those who want all the nonresident lion hunters gone may have to realize that won't work either. Those who don't want either restricted at all will also have to reach a compromise.

     I know that this is not new, but the Commission did not leave much room to ignore their position. WE WILL HAVE TO BE WILLING TO COMPROMISE IF WE WANT TO BE RECOGNIZED!

On to the legislature:
     HB 332 was introduced by Allan Walters, which would have allowed the taking of 2 mountain lions per each hunter [both resident and nonresident] and the purchase of a license any time during the hunting season. This bill was tabled in committee and so far has not been resurrected. We'll have to continue to watch this.

     HB 325 is an act allowing the regulation of barking dogs within residential neighborhoods by county ordinance. It is in the local government committee at this time.

     HB215 is an act prohibiting the use of Motion-tracking devices while hunting. This bill passed the House and is currently in Senate Fish & Game Committee. We have several people requesting an amendment excluding dog retrieval systems. No word whether an amendment will be proposed. Please contact your representative to make this amendment.

     LC373 is a draft bill - an act establishing the liability of the owner of a dog that harasses, injures, or kills a game animal, migratory or upland game bird, or fur-bearing animal; establishing penalties, including killing of the dog or loss of the owner's hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges; requiring restitution to the state for a game animal, migratory or upland game bird, or fur-bearing animal killed by a dog. Every dog owner in the state needs to contact his or her representatives and ask that this draft never reach actual bill stage. This bill will make every dog in the state a possible target.

     HB285 is an act revising fish and game licensing requirements by reducing from 180 to 30 the number of consecutive days a person must reside in Montana to be eligible to purchase a resident license.

     SB59 is an act generally revising fish and game licensing statues, authorizing the Dept. of FWP to establish hunting license preference systems. TO CONTACT YOUR MONTANA HOUSE OR SENATE REPRESENTATIVE: By e-mail: House@state.mt.us -or- Senate@state.mt.us (to the attention of your representative) By Telephone: Voice Mail 1-406-444-4800 By Fax: 1-900-225-1600

     Montana Chapter of Safari Club International gave our Montana Heritage Defense Fund a donation of Two Thousand Dollars. The SCI Wildlife Exhibition will be March 26, 27 & 28, 1999 at the Holiday Inn Trade Center in Billings. MSHA will be hosting an educational booth with information on lions, hounds and hunting. If you have any pictures that you would like displayed, contact Sandy Seaton - Chairperson in charge! (406) 222-7455

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April '99 Newsletter

Dear Houndspeople,

     It is time to begin thinking about Field Trials again! This year we have several donations to Raffles for the Montana Heritage Defense Fund and/or High Point Trophies. We always could use additional contributions so that more people have a chance to win something AND the MT Heritage Defense fund will grow! We need items for the Fall Classic. If you can, gather up more items for the Raffles and let us know what they are. The contributions received so far are from:
    Wildlife Materials     Tracker Radio Systems     Ramsour Farm Supply     Quick Track/Prowler Lights     Walt Earl (Golden Bear Outfitters)      Tri-Tronics     Wick Outdoor Works

     The legislature is still in session and we haven't faired too badly.
       HB332 (two Mountain Lion license tags) is a dead bill.
       HB325 (regulation of barking dogs within residential neighborhoods) was sent to the governor on March 31, 1999, for his signature.
       HB215 was amended in the Senate and now reads in part: "Restriction on use of electronic motion-tracking device while hunting. It is unlawful for a person, while hunting, to possess any electronic motion-tracking device or mechanism, as defined by commission rule, that is designed to track the motion of a game animal and really information on the animal's movement to the hunter. A RADIO TRACKING COLLAR ATTACHED TO A DOG THAT IS USED BY A HUNTER ENGAGED IN LAWFUL HUNTING ACTIVITIES IS NOT CONSIDERED A MOTION-TRACKING DEVICE OR MECHANISM FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION." This bill was returned to the House with the amendment on March 15, 1999, (no further action as of 3/31/99).
        HB 440 - the bill where County Commissions could declare mountain lions and black bears a predator and require the FWP to open the taking of them without license or season requirements passed the House. with testimony in the Senate Fish and Game Committee, this bill has been tabled for now. We will continue to watch and make sure that it does not get any farther.
       LC 373 never got any farther than a draft bill.

     The Montana Chapter Safari Club International Wildlife Exhibition in Billings last weekend went fairly well and MSHA's booth got a fair amount of attention. We generated a few memberships and were able to answer some questions and hopefully give a good picture of the use of dogs. The videos played all day and garnered a fair amount of attention from those passing the booth. We have also learned that it is a possibility that the Safari Club will give us another contribution to the Montana Heritage Defense Fund this year. Their generosity is very much appreciated.

     The Trapping Advisory Committee has prepared its recommendations. There have been public comment meetings held this past month around the state and written comments are due in Helena on or before April 16, 1999. One proposal that we MUST oppose is: Item 21) A majority of the Trapping Advisory committee members support recommending to the FWP and the FWP Commission that mountain lions be reclassified as furbearers so that they can be trapped legally. Get a copy of their recommendations and write your comments to FWP BEFORE the deadline at:
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
Trapping Advisory Committee Recommendations
PO Box 200701
Helena, Montana 59620-0701

     Check your expiration date and renew your membership! We'll see you at the Spring Tune-Up and the State Championship Field Trials. Come and have a fun weekend!

Roland Deane, President

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NEW OFFICERS ELECTED JUNE 6, 1999 TO SERVE UNTIL JUNE, 2000
President: Rob Walker
406) 285-3594
P O Box 204
Three Forks, MT 59752

Vice President: Grover Hedrick
Boulder, MT

Secretary: Shawn Enrooth
(406) 782-6804
1091 Beef Trail Rd.
Butte, MT 59701

Assistant Secretary: Debbie Reichenbach

Masters of Hounds: Cody Lechleitner & Bill Schutter

Correspondent: Sandy Seaton-Sallee
(406) 222-7455
P O Box 117
Emigrant, MT 59027

Board of Directors:

Chair: Bud Martin
(406) 273-4678
P O Box 96
Florence, MT 59833

Co-Chair: Jim Lechleitner
(406) 542-0163
2317 Wyoming
Missoula, MT 59801

Board Members:
Rob Walker, A.J. Stone, Earl Giard, Walt Earl, Sr., Mort Hill, Brent Young, Gary Lankford, Scott Sallee, Eileen Thomas, Bill Schutter.

     This board will oversee our legislative and Fish, Wildlife & Parks work as well as promoting the MT Heritage Defense Fund.

NOTE FROM PAST PRESIDENT:

     Roland Deane would like to thank all those who helped during his tenure as President. He also would like to thank Shawn for accepting another year as Secretary. Shawn has done well considering all her other activities and requirements on her time. Field Trials could not be done without the help of the volunteers. Roland wishes Rob and all the new officers good luck during their term.

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

     It is time again to work on increasing our membership. I would implore each and every member of MSHA to look around. We ALL know at least one guy who either owns a hound and/or hunts lions with someone who does and is NOT a member of MSHA. Each member needs to make sure their membership is paid current (check your mailing label) and add at least one new member to our roster. There is a membership application printed on this newsletter - use it!

PROPOSED CHANGES IN THE FURBEARER TRAPPING AND HUNTING REGULATIONS

     FWP Commission at their June 4, 1999 meeting made some tentative 1999-2000 changes in the furbearer regulations. They imposed increased radius from 30' to 60' for exposed carcass or bait that may be seen by soaring raptors. There are some changes in the definitions of water sets, ground sets and other sets. As a condition of hunting and trapping in Montana, persons may be required to return to the kill site or trap site if requested to do so by a FWP employee. Bobcat reporting time will be 24 hours (tagging would remain 72 hrs). Quota in Trapping Dist. 2 will increase from 140 to 160. Comments will be accepted until July 23, 1999. Address for comments:
MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission
P O Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701

     Deer, Elk, Antelope Quotas & Furbearer regulations will be finalized August 6, 1999 at FWP Commission meeting.

LION HARVEST REPORTING TIME CHANGED

     A hunter must personally report a lion harvest within 12 hours by calling the FWP Regional Office during office hours. After hours reports will be taken at (406)449-1065.

STATEWIDE FALL LION SEASON (Oct. 24 - Nov. 28) WITHOUT DOGS

      20% of Winter season quota can be taken.

1999-2000 LION QUOTAS

      Finalized on June 4, 1999 by FWP Commission.

     To conserve space here, we will only list the changes from the 1998-1999 quotas.

Regiona1:
Special Permits:
HD 100-00 - 4 any legal lion
HD 101-00 - 5 any legal lion
HD 100 reduced to 20 from 26
HD 103 reduced to 12 from 16
HD 104 reduced to 10 from 13

Region 2:
HD 200, 201 reduced to 20 from 25 - 10 female / 10 male
HD 202, 203 reduced to 25 from 30 - 15 female / 10 male
HD 204, etc. reduced to 10 from 30 - 5 female / 5 male
HD 212, 215 INCREASE to 10 from 8 - 6 female / 4 male
HD 240 reduced to 30 from 40 - 20 female / 10 male
HD 250 reduced to 15 from 30 - 10 female / 5 male
HD 270 reduced to 20 from 25 - 10 female / 10 male
HD 280, etc. reduced to 20 from 24 - 8 female / 12 male
HD 290, etc. reduced to 14 from 25 - 7 female / 7 male

Region 3: NO CHANGES

Region 4:
HD 413 reduced from 10 to 7 - 4 female / 3 male
HD 416, 446 reduced from 18 to 16 - 9 female / 7 male
HD 418, etc. reduced from 16 to 14 - 8 female / 6 male
HD 416 & 418 groups had been proposed for much larger reductions, but the Commission received signed petitions from landowners and Burl Radamaker from White Sulphur Springs spoke at length against ANY reductions - they wanted increases in the quotas. Biologist Tom Litchfield spoke for the reductions.

Region 5:
HD 540 reduced from 8 to 6 (3 female sub-quota)

Region 6 & 7: NO CHANGES

     Board of Directors gets to work on Raising Funds. Make sure that you read the page in this newsletter about the raffles. The Board has purchased two guns for raffling yet this summer. They also have plans to have a really great raffle with sales beginning shortly after the new year. If you think you can sell tickets for the Ruger Rifle, contact President, Rob Walker for tickets. MSHA needs to sell as many tickets as possible.

     If you can generate additional items for the Fall Classic Raffle (to benefit the MT Heritage Defense Fund), PLEASE collect what you can and let Rob know! Make sure that you give him a list of who donated what so that Thank-you's can be sent to the contributors.

     All contributions help us to increase the Defense Fund and sales of Raffle tickets and give everyone a better chance of winning something.

MOUNTAIN TOP DOG BOX donated
for next year's STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RAFFLE.

     Shane Wehr has graciously donated another of his fine boxes for our Raffle next year. The Board of Directors will be adding it to their list of items and wants Shane to know just how much they appreciate his contribution!

     Shawn Conrad, SMC Construction, has generously donated 3 plaques for displaying Lion skull trophies to our raffles. Shawn has also said he will give $2.00 to MSHA for each plaque that he sells and will give MSHA members a discount. Thanks, Shawn!

     TRADER BROTHERS, INC., Lolo, MT has graciously sold the two rifles for the current raffles to MSHA at their COST. We would like to thank Dan Schneider for his support of MSHA and hunting in Montana.

WISCONSIN BEAR HUNTERS ASSN.

     The WBHA donated a Rossi 357 Lever Action rifle to our State Championship 'MT Heritage Defense Fund' Raffle. We want to express our appreciation for their contribution!

     We also want to thank Dave Samuels from W.B.H.A. for coming all the way to Montana and speaking to us at the Annual meeting in Boulder. He has some very good suggestions and hopefully we can benefit from his endeavors. Thanks again Dave!

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December 20, 1999
Hello Houndsmen:

     The December FWP Commission meeting was held this past week in Helena. The Tentatives for 2000 Hunting seasons are on the table.

     On Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1999 Harvey Nyberg presented the Region 1 Lion Committee report to the FWP Commission at a Commission work session. The results of the Lion Committee meetings and their recommendations were:

Department:

  1.) Region 1 wildlife biologists and managers should carefully track the harvest and consider beginning the closure process when the reported harvest reaches 75% of the quota in districts with a history of over-quota harvest. Managers should consider hunting conditions, hunting pressure and whether it is a weekend or not in making the recommendation to initiate the closure process.

  2.) Encourage FWP to conduct saturation patrols in areas with high hunter numbers.

  3.) Encourage FWP to return to the kill site for 25 percent of the lions reported to verify location of kill.

Commission:

  1.) If an over-quota harvest occurs, the biological quota for the following year should be reduced by the same number.

  2.) Allocate a portion of the total quota to be issued as permits (25%) for selected Hunting Districts with a history of intense competition and over quota harvest. These would be issued through a drawing process and non-residents would be limited to 10% or less of the available permits. This would allow a small number of hunters and to be more selective in choosing an animal to harvest. These permits would be valid during the entire winter season 12/1 through 4/14 and would restrict the hunter to harvesting a cat in the HD where the permit is valid. The permit would be valid the entire season even if the rest of the quota fills.

Legislature:

  1.) Seek a legislative sponsor, and encourage FWP to support legislation to limit the number of non-resident lion licenses available to hunters who do not use the services of a licensed outfitter.

  2.) Initiate a two tiered license structure including a "Trophy or Kill" license and a "Pursuit" license; and require a hunter who harvests a lion one year to wait three or four years before purchasing another "Trophy" license.

  3.) Open the Resident (winter) hunting season on 1 December and the Non-resident hunting season on 8 December to give the resident hunter a short time at the beginning of the season to hunt in a less crowded situation.

  4.) Restrict non-resident hunters to 10 percent of the quota in each hunting district.

     After Mr. Nyberg made his presentation of the Lion Committee recommendations, the floor was opened to public comment at the request of Commissioner Charlie Decker (although it was published that there would be no public comment taken). Several people spoke and requested not just 25% permits, but 100% permits in Region 1 and one person spoke in favor of 100% permits in Region 2 as well.

     On Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1999 at the formal Commission meeting several houndsmen spoke and the Commissioners gave their opinions. The department's proposals for Lion tentatives are reprinted here for you to read. During the discussion, the possibility of a reciprocating law for non-resident hunters was brought up. This would be a regulation that if a state allowed lion hunting the hunter could come to Montana to hunt lions, but if their home state did not allow lion hunting, they could not hunt lion here. No proposal was made concerning this. The Commission decided upon two alternatives for Region 1.

  Alternative #1:

100% permits for Lions in HD 100, 103 & 104. Two times the quota will be issued - each HD will still close upon reaching the quota. [NO harvest guarantee for permit holders]

  Alternative #2:

25% of the quota issued as permits in HD 100, 103, 104, 120, 121, 122, 123 & 130. Hunting in the permit area will continue for permit holders until April 14, 2001, even though the remaining 75% of the quota has been filled and the HD closed for all other lion hunting (this includes the 20% available during Rifle season).      UNDER BOTH ALTERNATIVES, a hunter who is successful in drawing a permit would be permitted to hunt ONLY in the HD for which the permit is valid.

     Neither of the above alternatives affect the regulations or quotas for the Early Rifle Season Lion hunt where the use of dogs is prohibited.

     One thing we should be concerned about is under both alternatives; the wording is "permitted to hunt ONLY in the HD for which the permit is valid." It should be changed to read "permitted to harvest ONLY in the HD for which the permit is valid."

Other items of change to be noted are:

Other items of change to be noted are:      East half of HD 292 [that portion east of Garnet Range Road and Bear Creek] will be closed to ALL lion hunting. This is the area of the Mountain Lion study and they are having trouble getting the study done with hunting in the area.

     It is proposed to be written in the regulations:

  Under special circumstances the FWP Commission may close the season prior to reaching the quota in order to minimize surpassing the quota.

  Commission may close any season on 12 hours notice.

     THERE WILL BE Regional meetings on the proposed Tentative Regulations during the month of January. The dates and places have not yet been set. Please check with your regional headquarters and plan to attend and speak your mind at your local meeting. Here is a list of phone numbers to check on your regional meeting.

        Region 1, Kalispell, MT (406) 752-5501
        January 22, 2000, Cavanaugh's, 9 a. m. (open house), 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.         (public comment)


        Region 2, Missoula, MT  (406) 542-5500
        January 13, 2000, Double Tree Hotel, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

        Region 3, Bozeman, MT   (406) 994-4042
        January 18, 2000, Holiday Inn, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

        Region 4, Great Falls, MT  (406) 454-5840
        January 19, 2000, Heritage Hall at MSU College of Technology, 7 p.m.         to 10 p.m.

        Region 5, Billings, MT  (406) 247-2940
        January 13, 2000, Holiday Inn, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

        Region 6, Glasgow, MT  (406) 228-3700
        January 10, 2000, Cottonwood Inn, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m

        January 12, 2000, Havre, Best Western Great Northern, 7 p.m. to         10 p.m.

        Region 7, Miles City, MT  (406) 232-0900
        January 18, 2000, Miles City Community College, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

        State Headquarters, Helena  (406) 444-2535
        January 22, 2000, Jorgenson's Restaurant, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

     THE STATEWIDE MEETING FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS WILL BE IN HELENA ON JANUARY 22, 1999 - THIS WILL BE THE FINAL OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS. The February FWP Commission Meeting is listed on the schedule for February 3-4, 1999 in Helena.

     There are some concerns among houndsmen if either of the proposed tentative regulations are passed. One is that we could ultimately have permits statewide just as we now have the Fall Rifle Lion season statewide. Another concern is that if there is too much illegal activity, we could lose the chase season for training our hounds and the enjoyment of being in the woods with our dogs and protection of the Mountain Lion species.

     All paid members will be receiving a postcard in this mailing and we are requesting that you return the postcard with your vote as to how MSHA's formal response to the proposals should be. You can either mark one of the three boxes or list your comments on the card. The postcards are pre-stamped and addressed - therefore you have a NO cost opportunity to make your voice be heard in the official response that will be tabulated from the postcards I receive back! Please return your vote by January 1, 2000.

ON TO OTHER MATTERS

     It has been confirmed that we can hold our 2000 Spring Tune-up Field Trial on the Johnson property near Lozeau again this coming May 6 & 7, 2000. We would like to thank the Johnson's and Johnston's for their support and allowing us to share their beautiful country for another weekend of fun and enjoyment.

     We are in need of a new location for our State Championship Field Trial for June 3 & 4, 2000! PLEASE give me a call if you have any suggestions. We really need to get this location finalized by early March so that we don't have trouble with our official Field Trial dates from UKC.

Some bad news:

     We learned a week ago that Forrest Tolker, a MSHA member from Frenchtown has passed away. Forrest was a member in good standing and we certainly will miss him at our events. The family suggests memorials in Forrest's name to the Montana Heritage Defense Fund, c/o MSHA, 1091 Beef Trail Road, Butte, MT 59701 or P O Box 204, Three Forks, MT 59752.

GOOD NEWS!

     THE GUIDED MOUNTAIN LION HUNT RAFFLE IS READY FOR TICKET SALES!

     Check out the advertising in Full Cry; American Cooner; Coonhound Bloodlines; Fur, Fish, Game; Eastman's Hunting Journal; Eastman's Bowhunter Special; & RMEF Bugle. The ads will be in different magazines each month from January thru April. The drawing for the hunt will be at the State Championship Field Trial. The hunt will be the first week of December 2000.

The ad will also be appearing on our MSHA web site soon - www.montanahoundsmen.com .

SUPPORT THE MHDF (MONTANA HERITAGE DEFENSE FUND)
BUY TICKETS! GET OTHERS TO BUY TICKETS!

DON'T FORGET TO RETURN YOUR VOTE & DON'T FORGET TO ATTEND YOUR LOCAL FWP PUBLIC HEARING.